LAKELAND, FL, January 23, 2023 - Amid a growing demand for Timberland, SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler brokered the $37.5 M sale of two large timber tracts in North Florida’s Marion County. The two-property deal consists of the 7,114-acre Gooski Timberlands and the 5,598-acre Fort McCoy Timberlands. The deal, which closed on December 28, 2022, represents one of the largest timberland transactions in Florida in recent years.
SVN | SRD Founder & Managing Director Dean Saunders, Senior Advisors Dusty Calderon and Tony Wallace, and Advisor Greg Driskell represented the seller, a national holding and investment company with agricultural assets throughout the United States.
“This property has a high site index and the buyer knew the tract of land very well,” said Saunders.
SVN | SRD currently has over 30 listings involving timberland with acreage ranging from over 30 acres to over 12,000 acres across Florida.
The buyer worked with First American Exchange Company, LLC to acquire these parcels through a 1031 Exchange. As a local entrepreneur in Marion County, the buyer exchanged several commercial assets for the two timberland properties.
When looking into a 1031 Exchange, investors across the nation have understood the rapid demand growth that timberland has experienced over the past few terms. This development is not unknown to land brokerages. In the past year alone, SVN | SRD brokered over $81.5 million in timberland transactions representing over 13% of the firm’s total transaction volume.
Gooski Timberlands features timberland with excellent recreational potential. Its diverse environment provides the perfect habitat for Whitetail deer, wild turkey, and feral hogs. The property also features many traversable trails perfect for ATVs or horseback riding.
As another prime timber investment, Fort McCoy Timberlands features almost 3,000 acres of merchantable planted pine. Previously owned by some of the nation’s largest timber companies, this property boasts an efficient network of logging roads ready to be used. Similar to its counterpart, this tract holds ample recreational potential for the ambitious sportsman and practicing equestrian.
“This is a special investment opportunity for any landowner,” Driskell said. “Combined together, these neighboring timber parcels add excellent diversification to an investor’s portfolio.”
About Saunders Real Estate
Saunders Real Estate is a leading land and commercial real estate brokerage serving buyers, sellers, investors, and landowners across the Southeastern United States for 30 years. With over 100 advisors and offices in major U.S. markets including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, we specialize in large-acreage land transactions, commercial property sales and leasing, and property management.
To reflect our legacy and continued growth, Saunders Real Estate operates through two divisions – Saunders Land and Saunders Commercial. Our expertise spans agriculture, conservation, recreation, residential development, and commercial real estate, supported by specialized services such as forestry, land management, and investment acquisitions.
Today, Saunders Real Estate is recognized as a trusted authority in the region, delivering exceptional results through experienced leadership, innovative strategies, and a client-focused approach.